Academics

Concentrations

New England College of Optometry currently offers two concentrations for qualified OD students: a Concentration in Pediatric Optometry and a Concentration in Contact Lenses. Integrated into the traditional four year program, candidates chosen for the concentration programs receive enhanced didactic and clinical opportunities in the area of concentration, as they are mentored by specialized department faculty members through their four years. Most participants go on to participate in a residency program in their area of concentration following graduation. For questions or information about the concentration program, email the program directors.

Concentration in Pediatric Optometry

This new concentration allows selected students additional opportunities to work with children in a diverse range of clinical pediatric settings such as schools, hospitals, the neighborhood health centers, and private practice. Learn more about the Concentration in Pediatric Optometry.

Program Goals

To provide an early and robust exposure to the pediatric specialty of optometry, both didactically and clinically.

To better pave the path towards a residency in pediatric optometry and to graduate highly coveted applicants in this area.

To promote better independent learning/decision making skills as well as critical thinking in both didactic and clinical settings

To attract elite students to the NECO OD4 program, and ultimately better the reputation of NECO as a creative and forward thinking in their delivery of clinical education.

To expose students to the world of optometric academia, including clinical research, and potentially shape their career path towards this area.

Application Process

Formal applications to the concentration program are due February 1st in a student's first year (spring term).

Program Requirements

Interested students are required to schedule nd complete a clinical observation with a pediatric faculty member. They must have a GPA above 3.0. Specific experience in working with children, and specific documentation and letters of recommendation from professionals who work with children in some manner would be recommended, but not required.

Program Director: Gayathri Srinivasan, OD.

Concentration in Contact Lenses

This concentration allows selected students additional opportunities to develop skills in contact lenses while worki g in a diverse range of clinical settings.

Program Goals

To provide early and robust exposure to contact lens specialty in optometry

Application Process

Formal applications to the contact lens concentration program are due:

Program Requirements

Interested students are required to complete a clinical observation.

To become an efficient Pediatric Optometrist, it’s important to adapt to each child’s needs to gain the necessary information, while also ensuring that they trust you. Such skills can really only be attained through practice and this program offers us extra pediatric clinical sites over the next three years. We’ll be attending different seminars, possibly doing some research, and working exclusively with the Pediatric Residents and other pediatric faculty members here at NECO.